The Nashville Fire Department is undertaking an administrative investigation after Metro Nashville Police Department detectives interviewed a woman who claims to have been drugged at a firefighter’s home.
According to a police department press release, a 23-year-old woman also told police she and two friends had been to a fire hall on at least one occasion to strip for money. There were also allegations of at least one woman performing sex acts for money.
Police interviewed Jason Copeland, one of the firemen accused in the incident, on Tuesday when he reportedly told detectives he was being extorted by Ray Dontrell, a suspected gang member. Dontrell allegedly told Copeland there would be “blood” if he didn’t leave $500 outside a Pizza Hut.
Police set up a sting operation by placing $500 in a car. Police arrested Dontrell and Cortez Smith when they allegedly showed up to retrieve the money.
According to a police press release, the 23-year-old's statements have been inconsistent and there was no finding of sexual activity occurring at Copeland's home.
Two firefighters, including Copeland, were interviewed about the incident but they declined to comment about any activity occurring at a fire hall. A third firefighter who reportedly had knowledge of the alleged activity was said to be on vacation and hasn’t been interviewed by police.
The statement released by police stated, “After discussion with the District Attorney’s Office, the firefighters are not being charged with any prostitution offenses, in that, unlike a sting operation, any such activity would constitute a misdemeanor outside a police officer’s presence.”